IT may seem hard to believe now that we rely on technology so much, but we don't need computers or smartphones to have fun.

Back in the days when iPhones and Xbox weren't around, people managed to find things to do to keep busy and have a good time - contrary to what Gen Y might think now. But, with the introduction and takeover of the digital world - and especially social media - it became a lot harder to pick and much easier to click.

City of Sydney spokeswoman Candace Sutton said the council offered plenty of technology-free options for people of all ages - it was just a matter of finding them.

"The council holds more than 300 concerts, dances and exhibitions annually attended by more than 300,000 patrons," Ms Sutton said.

"Following its biggest free event - New Year's Eve - the city is now gearing up for its Chinese New Year celebrations."

One of our annual events is the Sydney Festival - a three-week celebration of dance, music and art involving upwards of 1000 artists from Australia and abroad.

There are also plenty of shows in the city's theatres - where it is compulsory to switch off your mobile phones.

But, if the bright lights and sounds don't do it for you, relax and unwind by getting active. Sydney is home to some of the best cycleways and bushwalking tracks in the world, as well as the more touristy walks such as the Bondi to Bronte.

Or, if culture or history is more your thing, get off Google and visit one of our many art galleries or museums. One of the more underrated is the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, where you can take a history lesson and learn about the everyday lives of convicts.

There are also food and drink tours, an abundance of markets to visit on the weekends and hidden gems such as the maze in Paddington's Neild Ave.

1 STEP OUT AND GO SEE A GREAT SHOW

Whether you are into stand-up comedy or musicals, there is a show in Sydney for everybody. For those who are more conventional, The Star's Lyric Theatre is showing Legally Blonde, the Theatre Royal has I Dreamed A Dream and, if you hurry, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is still on at the Capitol Theatre, based on the beloved movie. If you are into something a little bit quirky, there's always the Short and Sweet Festival in Newtown's King St Theatre or The Friend In Hand's open mike night in Glebe - where anyone can give stand-up comedy a go.

2 GO ON A WINE OR BEER TASTING TOUR

It's not just the Hunter Valley where you can spend a day or two tasting drink after drink. Here in the heart of Sydney there are many places to take wine and beer tours. Redoak - Australia's most awarded brewery - is one of them. Voted the best specialty beer venue and the best beer cafe, Redoak serves more than 20 different boutique beers in its own unique glasses. Just make sure you don't have to drive home after experiencing the delights of these tours!

3 EXPERIENCE THE SYDNEY FESTIVAL

Even though the festivities have already started, there are still many Sydney Festival events to see before it closes on January 27. Don't miss Urban, a performance at Parramatta's Riverside Theatre involving acrobatics, drama and an exuberant crew of young artists.

4 VISIT THE MARKETS AND GRAB A BARGAIN

Bargain hunters who haven't experienced the wonderful markets around Sydney are no doubt missing out on some hidden gems. Arguably one of the more popular markets around town, Paddington's 250 stalls are open every Saturday and feature everything from beautifully hand crafted Australian-made clothes to home-made jams. These markets have a strong emphasis on "meet the maker", giving it a unique edge for the customer. Markets in The Rocks and Glebe are also very popular.

5 HAVE FUN GETTING FIT AND HEALTHY

Perhaps the first thing to disappear with the introduction of technology is the simple things in life - walking, running, cycling and even swimming. There are plenty of bushwalking tracks and great cycling routes all over Sydney. And there's always the more leisurely walks for those who like a slower pace, like the picturesque Bondi to Bronte walk.

6 DANGLE A LINE AND TRY FISHING

The NSW coast has many fantastic fishing spots, with more than 70 in Sydney alone and many more along a short drive north or south of the city. Thereare also many stunning rivers and lakes that are ideal for fishing. Whether you are just learning to fish or you are a veteran, there's a spot out there for everyone and plenty of fish. Make sure you take a good fishing map with you and, of course, a licence and plenty of patience.

7 VISIT SYDNEY'S ART GALLERIES

Immerse yourself in some culture by visiting a few of Sydney's popular art galleries. The most famous is the Art Gallery of NSW in the Sydney CBD, but often the most interesting and unusual art is tucked away in much smaller galleries on the outskirts of town.

8 TRY TO SOLVE THE RIDDLE OF A REAL MAZE

Pretend you are Harry Potter for the day and solve this hidden gem in Paddington. Impeccably trimmed, thigh-high hedges hide behind a gargantuan plane tree on Neild Avenue - on the back streets of the trendy Sydney suburb between an art gallery and someone's back fence. It may not take forever to find your way through, but it's a bit of fun and something a little bit different that is guaranteed to put a smile on your dial.

9 TAKE A HISTORY LESSON ABOUT SYDNEY

If you are interested in how Sydney became Sydney, there are plenty of museums around to teach you a thing or two. Among the most popular are the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo and the Australian Museum. But there's also the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, where you can take a history lesson and learn about the everyday lives of convicts who passed through the barracks between 1819 and 1848.

10 STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS

If you don't mind coming into town, the Royal Botanic Gardens are always a treat. But there are alternatives for those living in the west. The Auburn Botanic Gardens costs just $4 admission fee and is a great place where people can spend time admiring natural beauty and learn about horticulture, birds and native animals.

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